By Grace Hogsten
Copy Editor
As Birthday Ball draws near, Washington College students scramble to decide what to wear to one of the College’s biggest events of the year.
The event’s dress code may cause anxiety for some, but there is no cause for concern; the student body typically wears a range of outfits to the dance.
“I would call Birthday Ball’s dress code, ‘Prom-ish,’” junior Stephen Hook said. “Most people will be in suits and long dresses, but no one will judge you if you decide to wear a short dress or just a blazer instead of a full suit.”
In addition to the dress code, many students center their outfits around the dance’s theme. At the College’s annual Midnight Breakfast last semester, the Student Events Board announced this year’s Birthday Ball theme, Cosmic Constellations, by decorating the dining hall with dark blue tulle and twinkly lights.
Although it is not necessary, planning an on-theme ensemble is an enjoyable and creative way to pick out what to wear.
According to previous Elm coverage, adhering to a particular color palette can be an easy way to dress on-theme for such events. Dark, cool colors like blue, purple, and black are common for formalwear and pair perfectly with this year’s night sky theme.
If more subdued shades are not your style, look for formalwear in gold or silver to fully embrace the radiance of the stars; wearing something shiny is the perfect way to stand out in the crowd.
“I hope to see a lot of sparkles and glitter to go with the Constellation theme,” Hook said.
Students looking for more general celestial inspiration might find success by centering their outfits around their star signs. For example, a Leo could dress in eye-catching gold, and a Gemini might choose to wear something sparkly that shifts colors in different lights.
Remember, it is not necessary to buy a completely new ensemble for Birthday Ball. Purchasing formalwear secondhand, borrowing clothes from a friend, or bringing new life to what is already in your closet are all great ways to find an outfit while being kind to the planet — and your wallet.
Most WC students likely have at least one suit or fancy dress already in their closet, sitting untouched since the last formal event.
Even for those who do not want to re-wear something from their existing wardrobe, thrifting or borrowing clothes can offer something new-to-you without breaking the bank. Junior Emma Parker-Watt, who is borrowing a dress from a friend for this year’s dance, recommends sharing clothes to switch things up.
“[M]y friends and I have collected many formal dresses over the years. It’s so much fun sharing dresses; one of my friends is wearing my formal dress this year,” Parker-Watt said.
Accessories like jewelry, ties, and shoes can also easily transform an outfit from matching one theme to another.
“Your accessories can make or break your outfit,” Parker-Watt said.
With a theme like Cosmic Constellations, the possibilities are endless. A shopping trip or quick search online offers hundreds of eye-catching, inexpensive options that could be the perfect addition to a celestial ensemble.
According to freshman Amelia Watson, jewelry can easily connect an outfit to a theme. Watson plans to wear a black dress and jewelry adorned with moons and stars.
Accessories are not the only way to elevate an outfit. Creative makeup or a swipe of luminescent body glitter can provide the perfect tie-in to this shimmery theme.
According to Watson, some students plan to wear star-themed makeup to the dance. Watson herself is considering using body paint to create an artistic, constellation-inspired look.
While it can be fun to plan an elaborate outfit, do not let preconceived notions of what to wear detract from your Birthday Ball experience; wear clothes that you love, and that you can comfortably dance in.
Photo courtesy of Emma Parker-Watt.
Photo Caption: Junior Emma Parker-Watt is embracing the theme this year with a floor-length blue dress.